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Menominee Nation, Menominee Tribal Enterprises and Menominee Casino Resort Partner with Fox Valley Pro Basketball and Wisconsin Herd

OSHKOSH, Wis. (Oct. 23, 2017) – The new arena in downtown Oshkosh, and the future home of the Milwaukee Bucks’ NBA G League affiliate – the Wisconsin Herd, is officially Oshkosh Arena. Fox Valley Pro Basketball announced the five-year naming rights deal with the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Menominee Tribal Enterprises (MTE) and Menominee Casino Resort, which also includes a founding partnership with the Wisconsin Herd.

Oshkosh Arena logos and building renderings are available here.

The partnership marks Menominee Nation’s return to Oshkosh, the city named after the tribe’s revered Chief. Menominee Nation, MTE and Menominee Casino Resort are committed to honoring the history of their tribe while building upon their cultural legacy through the joint partnership.

“We are proud to welcome Menominee Nation home to Oshkosh through this collaborative partnership with the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Menominee Tribal Enterprises and Menominee Casino Resort,” said Greg Pierce, president of Fox Valley Pro Basketball. “Visitors to Oshkosh Arena will experience to the same first-class treatment provided at Menominee Casino Resort and the hospitality synonymous with the Menominee Tribe.”

“Menominee Nation is committed to building a solid foundation for future generations, and we see Oshkosh Arena and a partnership with the Wisconsin Herd as an opportunity to do just that,” said Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin Chairman, Gary Besaw. “We are returning to our ancestral land to share Menominee Nation’s culture and invest in the future for our Menominee community.”

The façade of Oshkosh Arena will feature the thunderbird, which emulates the Great Seal of Menominee Nation and is critical in the tribe’s origin story. A full service bar and restaurant at Oshkosh Arena will embody the hospitality synonymous with the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin.

“Our tribe has overcome hardships and we’re committed, now more than ever, to work in partnership to create a brighter future for members of Menominee Nation,” said Chairman Besaw. “Seeing the thunderbird from our origin story and our name on the building will be a tremendous source of pride for our tribe and our tribal businesses for years to come.”

The Wisconsin Herd will play on Menominee Nation Court, constructed of sustainably-sourced wood provided by MTE. The court will feature an interchangeable jump circle that will alternate between a Menominee Casino Resort logo and an MTE logo. The court will be revealed at a later date.

“This partnership showcases the power of sports and entertainment to help bring people together and truly affect change,” said Wisconsin Herd President Steve Brandes. “Members of Menominee Nation will have the opportunity to participate in youth basketball clinics to build confidence, learn the fundamentals of the game and develop leadership qualities. We are committed to working with Menominee Nation to develop community-based programing that addresses priority areas for the tribe, including health and wellness.”

Hundreds of thousands of arena event attendees will experience the history and culture of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin by visiting Oshkosh Arena, specifically in the museum dedicated to Menominee Nation.

“The history of the Menominee people is interwoven throughout the state, especially the city of Oshkosh; and it is fitting to honor their heritage throughout Oshkosh Arena,” said Oshkosh Arena General Manager, Wendy Hielsberg. “We look forward to welcoming guests to Wisconsin Herd games and events year round on behalf of Menominee Nation.”

–Oshkosh Arena–

About Menominee Nation: The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, also known as “Kiash Matchitiwuk” the Ancient Ones, occupied a vast territory, over 10 million acres of land, of what is now Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. The Menominee have survived for more than 10,000 years and are indigenous to the State of Wisconsin.

Menominee Tribal Enterprises (MTE) produces and manufactures sustainable forest products, leading the industry and setting new quality standards since 1908. Sustainable forest management practices on the 230,000 acre Menominee Forest allow for approximately 20 million board feet of timber to be harvested annually, manufactured into various wood products and marketed across the globe. MTE is owned and operated by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin.

Menominee Casino Resort is an all-in-one destination that offers a complete gaming, lodging, dining and entertainment experience that draws upon the Menominee Nation’s long heritage of hospitality to create truly memorable family and corporate events.

About Oshkosh Arena: Under the leadership of Fox Valley Pro Basketball, the newly-developed building will feature 3,600-seat arena, with the latest technology, club-level VIP seating, food, beverage, retail space and other entertainment amenities that will complete the basketball experience. This state-of-the-art facility will provide both home-court advantage and serve as a practice facility for the team. Oshkosh Arena will be available for other sporting and entertainment events when not in use by the team.

About the Wisconsin Herd: The Wisconsin Herd, the NBA G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks, will tip off its inaugural season in November 2017. The Milwaukee Bucks acquired the right to own and operate the team in February 2017 under the direction of Bucks ownership headed by Marc Lasry, Wes Edens and Jamie Dinan.

About the NBA G League: The NBA G League is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 26 teams — all with one-to-one affiliations with NBA franchises — in the 2016-17 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.